Daddy Herbal Spa Moments

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Treat dad with herbal skin care from the garden

The fragrances of basil, rosemary and thyme are rich with notes of camphor, pepper, pine and clove. There are no flowery, perfumed undertones. It’s all about a deep timbre of aroma – not delicate flowers. A woman’s sense of smell is more sensitive than a man’s; perhaps it is why men’s cosmetics have stronger, earthy aromas. Intense infusions of herbs are the perfect combination with nourishing oils and ingredients targeted to the masculine side of skin care.

Rosemary-Infused Massage OilRosemary has the reputation to soothe joint pain. Add that power to a natural oil to massage over knuckles, wrists, elbows and knees for a muscle and joint calming blend.

You need:
-1 quart-sized glass canning jar. (use a pint jar if you’d like to make a smaller batch) Clean & sterilize the jar.
-Fresh-picked, organically grown Rosemary
-Carrier Oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil or Jojoba Oil.
-Vitamin E oil (Vitamin E oil acts as a natural preservative to slow oxidation of lotions, oils and balms. Use only 100% natural d-alpha tocopherol to avoid synthetic versions of this common vitamin.)To do:
~Snip the rosemary in small pieces (tender stems can be cut up and used), strip the leaves from woody stems.
~Fill the jar ½ to ¾ full of freshly snipped herb
~Pour the carrier oil over the herbs and fill the jar to the top. You can warm the oil before pouring onto the herb to help release the essential oils.
~Add 10 drops of Vitamin E to a pint jar or 20 drops to a quart jar. ~Stir well with wooden chopsticks. ~Cover jar tightly
~Allow to steep in a sunny window or warm place for 2 weeks.
~Strain out the herbs through a cheesecloth.
~Re-bottle oil, seal tightly and label.To Use: Massage into sore muscles and joints to ease pain and inflammation.

Herb Trio Beard and Face Cleanser
The skin on a man’s face takes a beating from constant shaving. Even with facial hair, the skin underneath is experiencing constant change from skin cells and oil. Treat with care by using herbs infused in a natural olive oil-based soap. Use this for a daily cleanse or just before a sauna or steam soak.
1 cup pure Castile liquid soap
1/2 cup basil, thyme and sage herbal infusion

Basil, thyme and sage infusion:
You need: 1 cup of basil leaves (torn in half), 2 tablespoons of cut thyme leaves and soft stems, and 3 to 5 large common garden sage leaves, cut into pieces.
1 cup boiling water
In a heat safe glass bowl or measuring cup, snip fresh herbs and toss together, set aside. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove the pan from heat. Pour hot water over herb blend. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove and discard the herb leaves from the water by filtering through cheesecloth. Pour Castile liquid soap into a sterilized glass jar, add the herb infusion, and shake well to mix.To use: Splash face with warm water. Lather cleanser on face with a gentle massage through facial hair. Rinse with cool water. Pat skin dry.In The Herb Lover’s Spa Book, check out the chapter called a Manly Herbal, with recipes for men. Make a Father’s Day spa basket for that Dad in your life.